Cave of Bones

Preparing to speak at an outdoor character-building program for at-risk teens, Tribal Police Officer Bernadette Manuelito discovers the camp in a panic over a missing instructor and a traumatized girl's discovery of a human skeleton in the wilds of the mythology-steeped lava wilderness bordering the Ramah Navajo Reservation.

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In this latest episode of the beloved Leaphorn, Chee, Manuelito Mysteries Bernie becomes involved in the disappearance of a young girl from an "Outward Bound" type camp. As the investigation unfolds a camp counselor goes missing as well which draws attention to possible misspent tribal funds. In true Hillerman fashion, the story weaves in another sub-mystery which Joe Leaphorn and Jim Chee work to solve simultaneously. As always, the Four Corners area takes center stage and anyone who longs for that landscape will enjoy this.

I've read all 4 of her version of series and feel cover is a little misleading. The stories are primarily about Manuelito--she is involved in the main action at start and finish, plus her family plays big role. Chee is maybe 30% involved and Leaphorn, still recovering from near death incident, maybe 10%. Even still she and Chee are just too perfect, always respectful and missing one another when they are sent in different directions. They are both without flaws or edges.
The story line in this one was good read, though the young girl who went missing is always remembering something she should have said earlier they just seem like Hillerman lite. 4 stars

Another wonderfully written and engaging tale in the Bernadette Manuelito, Jim Chee, and Joe Leaphorn saga. The change of focus to the world of Bernie continues, and it adds depth to our insight of the Navajo culture. Bernie is called to the lava flows and lava tubes and is forced to deal with the desecrated burial of two ancient people, and perhaps draws a chindi into her investigation.
Anne Hillerman's side characters are very interesting and they all seem suspicious--they might not be the murderer but they are all up to something illegal. Jim and Bernie just need a little help from Joe to sort out what.